Diabetes occurs when the body either cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it produces effectively. The body’s blood sugar levels become too high, causing various health complications such as nerve damage, heart disease, and foot problems. Diabetic foot care helps to maintain healthy feet by managing blood sugar levels and improving circulation. Here are some prevention strategies for diabetic foot conditions:
Daily Foot Inspections
Regular and thorough foot inspections help prevent diabetes-related foot conditions. Daily examination of the feet helps in the early detection of any changes or signs of injury. This includes checking for cuts, sores, blisters, redness, swelling, and other abnormalities. Daily foot inspection is diabetic foot care that can be performed at home. Using a mirror or asking for help from a family member can make inspecting all areas of the feet easier. If any changes or injuries are found, seeking medical attention can be a proactive step to managing and preventing foot conditions.
Proper Footwear
If you have diabetes, the kind of shoes you wear can affect your foot health by providing support, protection, and comfort. Wear well-fitted, comfortable shoes with sufficient cushioning and support to prevent blisters, calluses, or bunions. Avoid wearing tight or restrictive socks that can restrict blood flow. Proper footwear is a diabetic foot care strategy that helps minimize the foot’s reaction to stress and prevent injuries.
Maintaining Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels, reducing foot sensation. This can make it difficult for a person with diabetes to notice injuries or changes in their feet. Maintain stable blood sugar levels through healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and proper management of medication or insulin. Consistent monitoring of blood sugar levels can also help detect any changes that may require medical attention.
Avoiding Walking Barefoot
People with diabetes should avoid walking barefoot, especially outdoors. Walking barefoot increases the risk of cuts, scrapes, or injuries that can go unnoticed and lead to infection. Diabetic conditions can also cause a decrease in the production of sweat and oil on the feet, making them more prone to dryness and cracking. Use slippers that provide support and protection when walking around the house.
Seeking Professional Care
Getting periodic foot exams from a specialist can aid in the early detection and prevention of foot problems. A podiatrist can check for nerve damage, poor circulation, and infections that may require medical attention. They can also guide proper foot care techniques and recommend suitable footwear for a person with diabetes. Visiting a podiatrist can help prevent complications such as foot ulcers.
Treatment Options
Instability, redness, and deformity are signs of an underlying foot condition that may require medical attention. A diabetic foot ulcer can be due to nerve interference, resulting in a reduced ability to feel sensations and reduced blood flow and pressure. Here are some treatment options for diabetic foot ulcers:
Debridement
Debridement is a medical procedure that involves removing dead or infected tissue from an ulcer. This process can promote healing by allowing healthy tissue to grow. It also reduces the risk of infection and other complications. A podiatrist may use a variety of methods for debridement, such as surgical sharp debridement, enzymatic debridement, or autolytic debridement.
Offloading
Offloading is the process of reducing pressure on a wound to allow it to heal. This can be achieved through various methods such as wearing special shoes, pads or cushions, and casts or braces. People with diabetes need to offload their foot ulcers to improve healing and foot care.
Medications
Medication can also be used to treat diabetic foot ulcers. Topical antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or treat any infections in the ulcer. Pain relievers may also be prescribed to manage any discomfort or pain associated with the ulcer. Administering antibiotics to address or prevent infections in diabetic foot ulcers is a common treatment approach.
Visit a Podiatrist for Professional Diabetic Foot Care
People with diabetes should seek regular podiatric care to help prevent and treat foot complications. A podiatrist is a medical specialist who diagnoses, treats, and manages conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. They can provide proper diabetic foot care, including regular examination of the feet, monitoring for any changes or early signs of ulcers, and providing appropriate treatment options. Contact a podiatrist for professional and specialized diabetic foot care today.